NVIDIA SHIELD vs MINIX U8K-Ultra: Which Media Player is Worth Your Investment?

[Harry Williams]

Introduce​

Parameter	NVIDIA SHIELD​	MINIX U8K-Ultra​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$199​	$269.9​
Highlight​	Product Type: Android TV streaming media player Operating System: Android TV version 11 Video Enhancement: Real-time HD to 4K AI upscaling Ports: 2x USB 3.0 Built-in Features: Plex Media Server Memory: 3 GB RAM, 16 GB storage Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Audio/Video Support: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus 4K Content Support: Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube, Hulu Gaming Capability: GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming, supports 1000+ titles, RTX 3080 membership Voice Control: Built-in Google Assistant, compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa Format Support: Xvid, DivX, ASF, AVI, MKV, MOV, M2TS, MPEG-TS, MP4, WEB-M	Networking: Dual-Band 2x2 MIMO 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet AI Technology: AI-SR upscaler (1080p to 2X, 720p to 3X, 480p to 4X), AI-PQ for real-time scene analysis Input Device: MINIX A3 Pro Wireless Six-Axis Gyroscope QWERTY Keyboard with voice input Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB eMMC 5.1 storage Video Playback: 8K ULTRA HD, supports AV1, VP9, H.265-10, AVS3, AVS2 formats Operating System: Android AOSP 11, powered by Amlogic S928X-K processor (big.LITTLE ARM Cortex A76 + Quad-Core Cortex A55, 64-bit), upgradeable via OTA

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Performance​

Parameter	NVIDIA SHIELD​	MINIX U8K-Ultra​
RAM Memory​	3 GB​	8 GB​
Storage Capacity​	16 GB​	128 GB​
Resolution​	4k​	8k​
Internet Applications​	Netflix, HBO, Vudu, Kodi, Spotify, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Browser, Fandango NOW​	Prime Video, Hulu, Don't support HD Nexflix, YouTube, Browser​

Features​

Parameter	NVIDIA SHIELD​	MINIX U8K-Ultra​
Video Codec​	H.265/HEVC​	H.265, AV1, VP9​
Connectivity Technology​	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet​	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI​
Controller Type​	Voice Control​	Remote Control, Voice Control​
Compatible Devices​	Television​	Television​
Connector Type​	HDMI​	HDMI​
Other Features​	Android Phone Control, Microphone Feature​	Browser​

Measurements​

Parameter	NVIDIA SHIELD​	MINIX U8K-Ultra​
Item Weight​	2.1 Pounds​	253 Grams​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
NVIDIA SHIELD​	Pros • Excellent performance in streaming and upscaling content • Easy-to-use remote compared to other devices • Works well with a variety of apps like YouTube, Plex, and Paramount+ • Trustworthy security with a native Android operating system • Bluetooth compatibility with keyboards and mice • Reliable wired Ethernet connectivity Cons • Limited app selection, particularly for music streaming • No built-in DVR functionality for broadcast content • Clunky casting experience for music from a NAS • Upscaling not equivalent to true 4K content • Occasional remote lock-up requiring a reset Overall Impression The Shield TV is a robust and reliable streaming device that excels in performance and security, making it a top choice for users who prioritize content quality and a seamless experience. While it has some limitations in app availability and music streaming capabilities, its ease of use and compatibility with various devices make it a compelling option for any home entertainment setup.
MINIX U8K-Ultra​	Pros: • Excellent picture quality with Dolby Vision and HDR support • Fast performance and easy setup • Supports a wide range of audio formats including DTS and Dolby • Good for users who enjoy customizing their Android experience • Regular software updates Cons: • Runs Android OS instead of Android TV, limiting streaming capabilities • Cannot natively play 4K HDR content on Netflix or 1080p without hacks • Not intended for typical Android TV usage, which may disappoint some users • Limited gaming capabilities due to lack of touchscreen support for certain apps • 64-bit CPU runs in 32-bit mode; no plans for a 64-bit OS Overall Impression: This device is best suited for tech-savvy users who want a customizable Android experience and prioritize picture and audio quality. However, it falls short for those primarily seeking a reliable streaming solution, especially for mainstream services like Netflix and Prime Video.